The biggest turnout in a Didsbury-area bench fair's history may be bested with this year's event.The 2010 Lone Pine Bench Fair drew 681 entries ñ ìa record number,î said Paula Harris, member of the Lone Pine board.ìWe had huge, huge interest.îHarris believes the surge in entries came following a year that skipped the event, due to what she said were scheduling conflicts. Continuing the momentum from last year's show, Harris sees the potential for this month's fair to grow.The theme of the 2011 bench fair, to be held at Lone Pine Hall on Aug. 10, is the 50th anniversary of Mountain View County. This has meant expanding the competition with new categories. The fair will have 20 main categories, with the addition of 42 specials.ìWith new categories I think we'll have a lot more entries,î Harris added.One example of the theme-inspired categories is a competition for best photograph of Mountain View County.ìI think that will be neat,î Harris said.ìIt has to be taken somewhere in the county. Any season, any kind of scene. It's quite wide open.îThe fair will continue with classic competitions, judging top entries including flower arrangement, crocheting, knitting, vegetables, preserves, cakes, pies, cookies, junior categories.ìThis is truly a celebration of homemade handwork,î Harris said.ìThat's really almost becoming a lost art. With so much mass production out there, it really is quite lovely to see people baking things in their own home.îDespite recent weather conditions, Harris doesn't expect categories featuring flowers or vegetables to suffer.ìUnless your flowers have been damaged by the hail,î she said.ìJust judging from my garden, gardens love the rain.îWhile most of the categories celebrate excellence, one popular entry showcases the less successful ñ best flop.ìIf you baked a cake and it fell flat on its face, enter it anyways,î Harris said with a laugh.Entries are marked by a long-term team of judges including Lorna Richmond, Elsie Garson, Freda Brewitt and Bernice Price.The bench fair is open for public viewing between 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 10. Non-perishable entries are to be brought to the hall between 7 and 8:30 p.m. the day before. Perishable items may be dropped off between 8 and 10 a.m. Aug. 10.
